5 Men’s Clothing Brands You Should Consider

Introduction

I’m often quite struck at the disparity in choice for the modern, style-conscious gent. I think we can all agree that these days, many men are taking much more of an interest in their appearance and the ever-changing world of fashion, and one would think that we’d certainly be catching up with our spoilt female counterparts. Right?

Well, this isn’t really the case. The standard retail goliaths are dominated by womenswear (which is understandable when considering the amount of potential profit within the market), but the smaller, less-than-impressive menswear corners in these stores seem more like a token gesture than a serious consideration of style. I often find there’s very little geared towards anyone over the age of 18, and there’s only so many chinos and hooded checked shirts one man can take before he gives up completely.

But, fear not, there are some retailers that offer the very best in menswear – they just might not be in the most obvious/accessible locations on the high street. Outside of London, the smaller the town, the more difficult it is to pinpoint less popular brands. For instance, non-northern friends of mine can’t believe that Hull was only graced with H&M a mere five years ago – testament to how easy it is to fall behind.

Here at FashionBeans, we’ve taken these concerns on board and devised a list of our favourite stores outside the regular go-to list when we’re buying some new threads. Even if there isn’t one in your hometown, take the plunge and go online: a little originality is often worth the post and packaging cost.

1. The Kooples

Kooples advertising is plastered everywhere: beautiful couples (of whom I often question authenticity) wearing equally beautiful clothes that hint at a subtle luxury without the need for over-embellishment.

Imagine AllSaints with a tailored edge and you’re almost there; monochrome, neutral tones give the entire brand a notion of simplicity and if in doubt, I always insist us gents keep it simple.

Whilst on the pricier side of the spectrum, you’re paying for real quality here, and novelty, flyaway trends are nowhere to be seen. Perfect for the young professional seeking some regal threads.

FashionBeans Picks

Jersey T-shirt With Check Insets

Long-sleeved Round-neck Waffle-stitch Pullover

Velvet Suit Jacket

Dandy Coat In Prince Of Wales Check

Fitted Coloured Jeans

British Jacket

Long-sleeved Roll-neck Pullover

Sailors Jacket

Washed Velvet Jacket With Sheepskin Collar

2. Cheap Monday

A brand completely centred on Copenhagen cool. After years of being stocked in the likes of retail giants such as Urban Outfitters, a UK Cheap Monday Flagship Store hit British soil in February of this year and has only gone from strength to strength.

Channelling a workwear precision inspired by rural Scandinavian industry, Cheap Monday branched out from simple denim to sneakers, flannels, and shirts that are perfect for casual bar crawls and after work drinks. Although the brand lacks a more formal approach, Cheap Monday is ideal for the younger market to inject a polished yet rugged appeal to any outfit.

FashionBeans Picks

Cheap Monday Torex Denim Shirt

Cheap Monday Neo Sand Checked Flannel Shirt

Cheap Monday Kichiro Grey Flannel Shirt

Cheap Monday Ichiro – Jumper – Grey

Cheap Monday Tight Skinny Jeans

Cheap Monday Alladin – Lace-up Boots – Red

Cheap Monday Kwan Chinos

Cheap Monday Parka – Blue

Cheap Monday Tobias Black Washed Denim Jacket

3. HE by Mango

MANGO has been spreading Catalonian exoticism on the high street since 1984, and fourteen years later, HE by Mango was created to serve a growing menswear market.

Striking a perfect balance between quality and affordability, the HE range caters to almost every single gent by releasing everything from more formal blazers to casual denim wear.

Typical of clothing from the continent, HE by Mango is unafraid of bold prints and bright colours, and style is not simply limited to the monochrome. I was a newcomer to the brand myself, often associating it with dad-like territory but this is simply not the case – HE by Mango is a strong yet unobvious clothing choice, and anybody would do well to take some stylistic Spanish influence.

If all that still didn’t convince you to take the plunge, you only have to take a look through some of our latest feature articles on site to see how often they have been featured in our inspiration lookbooks – this is a brand that is on point each season and yet their clothing will effortlessly transcend from year to year.

FashionBeans Picks

Short Sleeved Cotton Henley T-shirt

Slim-fit Cotton Shirt

Slim-fit Alex Grey Jeans

Cotton Shawl-collar Cardigan

Flecked Tweed Blazer

Suede Short-coat

Cotton Trench

Corduroy Slim-fit Trousers

Slim-fit Check Cotton Shirt

4. Ben Sherman

Whilst the likes of Fred Perry and Lyle & Scott dominate the menswear heritage consciousness, Ben Sherman is a formidable and often underrated competitor in this market.

In recent years, the brand has moved away from the dreaded ‘chav’ association, branching out into luxury apparel influenced by an extensive history of British style. Gingham checks and slim-fit slacks all pay homage to the Mod and Punk subcultures of years gone by, and Ben Sherman has made a lasting impression upon contemporary menswear.

Although prices have increased in recent years, so too has the quality and prestige associated with the label. Try mixing a little Ben Sherman into your look: heritage pieces are a classic, timeless choice that will always serve you well.

FashionBeans Picks

Ben Sherman Long-sleeve Gingham Shirt

Plectrum By Ben Sherman Trousers

Plectrum By Ben Sherman Meoo109 Deadwood Heather Knit

Plectrum By Ben Sherman Mfoo151 Khaki Jacket

Topman Ben Sherman Quey 2 Boots

Ben Sherman Qewy Leather Brogues

Plectrum By Ben Sherman Geometric Shirt

Plectrum By Ben Sherman Meoo113 Forest Cardigan

Ben Sherman Nuxt Suede Loafers Navy

5. Muji

I myself often tied Muji to Japanese gadgetry and consumer products, but a recent trip opened up a whole new shopping alternative. At extremely affordable prices, Muji is incredibly similar to Uniqlo; basic staple pieces are offered that can provide the very backbone to a great contemporary outfit.

The menswear range is currently a little limited, but don’t let this stifle your sartorial passion – Muji is budget friendly with a certain quality that should in no way be sniffed at. The brand’s strength lies in their dedication to retail, and it’s rare we find a shop that delivers classic style and versatility. Think American Apparel without the risqué advertising and lycra.

FashionBeans Picks

Organic Cotton Plain Shirt

Corduroy Shirt

Double Faced Hooded Jacket

Wool Alpaca V Neck Cardigan

Organic Cotton Boat Neck Top

Anti-colourfade Slim Fit Denim Jeans

Non-itchy Rollneck Jumper

Sweat Protect Polo Striped Shirt

Wool Silk Crew Neck Jumper

Conclusion

So, I hope today you’ve found a little variation to your high street shopping experience. Sometimes, it’s better to crack open the laptop with a cuppa than trawl the busy town, especially with Christmas coming up – comfort and quality from the safety of your own sofa.

There’s nothing in wrong with purchasing at the popular, obvious places, but adding an element of originality can only be found when trying new brands and stores. Take the plunge and invest in something a little different this winter.

Now I have had my say, who are some of your favourite, more underground brands that should be on our radar?

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About The Author: Murray Clark

Heading up the editorial front at The Watch Gallery, Murray Clark brings the latest and greatest from the world of men's watches.

Murray has over five years' experience writing on men's style, and has also created engaging content for leading fashion brands.

There Are 18 Comments

Bene Posted On 6th November 2012:

I really like HE from Mango! Specially the style on picture number 4 in the showcase!!

Cheap Monday makes too skinny Jeans!!

Marco Posted On 6th November 2012:

HE from Mango looks great! any idea on how the sizing goes? Searched and found a size chart with listing comparing countries, but it doesn’t state which one the follow..

Artois Posted On 6th November 2012:

I liked the fact that up until this point HE was pretty overlooked by most people until now. Thanks FB!! Seriously though good post and I wear Large and have never had any issues with HE sizing and fit unlike with Zara sizes.

Kunbunboo Posted On 6th November 2012:

I remember go to Muji and saw a cool shape wool cap. I regret I didn’t buy it.

Col Posted On 6th November 2012:

Bought a HE br Mango blue/grey checked duffle coat last winter. One of the best purchases I’ve ever made.

Smurf Posted On 6th November 2012:

With HE you always purchase a great quality item for a good price. Still some sort of insider tip, but who knows how long thanks to FB. Just kidding. Very nice slim fitted clothes.

Nick Posted On 6th November 2012:

HE by Mango is a great shout, I hadn’t looked at their stuff before. I’d personally have Massimo Dutti on this list instead of Cheap Mondays or Muji, but that’s just a personal preference.

I’ve tried to keep HE by Mango under the wraps for a while! The trouser sizes tend to be flattering by one waist size and sometimes too tight around the crotch, but other than that, good value for money. Personally, I’d recommend their blue cords. Massimo Dutti do some great shoes as well.

Sam Posted On 10th November 2012:

Cheap Monday stuff is so boss.

Adrian Posted On 11th November 2012:

That quilted jacket from HE by Mango! BEAUTIFUL!! Is that from last season’s collection? I can’t seem to find it on their site! :(

It is this season’s collection although it is from the very latest lookbook so it might not have been released yet.

Kel Posted On 14th November 2012:

I am absoloutely LOVING the HE by Mango range, good prices and the occassional £50 bargain

Leon Posted On 20th November 2012:

Ben Sherman is totally bang on, the made in england stuff is superb.

Ha Nguyen Posted On 7th February 2013:

On this list, I prefer Ben Sherman. However, I found that Massimo Dutti is the biggest brand in my heart. Their products look so beautiful, clean, urban and elegant!

Olly Posted On 4th November 2013:

I’m looking to buy a coat from HE but unsure on sizing (either L or XL) does anyone know a comparable size guide to say Zara as I’m XL there in coats. Thanks in advance.

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